The word that the New Testament uses for the body of Christ is ekklesia. However ekklesia was replaced in English translations with the word church. Jesus said that ekklesias are lampstands. “The seven lampstands which you saw are the seven ekklesias.” Jesus in Revelation 1:20

“No man, when he has lighted a lamp, covers it with a vessel, or puts it under a bed; but sets it on a lampstand, that they who enter in may see the light.” Jesus in Luke 8:18

A lampstand doesn’t restrict or limit the light, but rather showcases the shinning of light so that it may be seen by all who come in. The light is shinning in all Christ-followers. “For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shined in our hearts.” 2 Corinthians 4:6.

Therefore, as a lampstand, ekklesia (church) is a gathering that allows everyday Christ-followers to shine for Jesus as they show and tell what God has done, so that “they who enter in may see the light.”

Paul of Tarsus explains how this works in 1 Corinthians 14:25-26: “But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convicted of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth. How is it then, brethren? when you come together, every one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation.”